🔥 Smoke & Heat Detectors — Essential Fire Safety for Every Scottish Home

Dtec electrical
Aug 9
4 min read

At DTEC Electrical, we’ve been protecting homes and businesses for over 30 years in Greenock, Gourock, Port Glasgow, Largs, Fairlie, West Kilbride, Seamill, Saltcoats, and across Ayrshire.

One of the simplest, yet most effective, ways to safeguard your property is by installing interlinked smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.

These devices aren’t just a smart safety measure — they are now a legal requirement in Scotland under the February 2022 Scottish Fire & Smoke Alarm Regulations.

🚨 Why Smoke, Heat & CO Detectors Are Critical

In the event of a fire or a carbon monoxide leak, every second matters. Early warning systems give you the vital time needed to evacuate safely and call emergency services.

💨 Smoke Alarms – Detect the presence of smoke particles in the air, alerting you to both smouldering and fast-flaming fires.
🔥 Heat Detectors – Respond to sudden increases in temperature. Ideal for kitchens, loft spaces, and garages where traditional smoke alarms may trigger false alerts.
☠️ Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Monitor for this odourless, colourless, and potentially deadly gas produced by faulty or poorly ventilated fuel-burning appliances.
Please be aware- This is law in Scotland since February 2023 and any non compliance with this law may invalidate your house or property insurance, Please check with your insurance providor to verify.

Fact: Carbon monoxide poisoning sends thousands of people to A&E in the UK each year and can be fatal within minutes in high concentrations.

Why interlinked alarms matter: When one smoke or heat alarm goes off, they all go off — ensuring you hear the alarm no matter where you are in the home.

📜 Scotland’s Fire & CO Alarm Laws

From 1 February 2022, every home in Scotland must have:

🛋 One smoke alarm in the living room or the room you use most.
🛗 One smoke alarm in every hallway or landing.
🍳 One heat alarm in every kitchen.
☠️ One carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fuel-burning appliance (boiler, gas fire, wood burner) or a flue.

Key Points:

All smoke and heat alarms must be interlinked (via wireless or hardwired connections).
CO alarms do not have to be interlinked with smoke and heat alarms.
All alarms must meet BS EN standards:
- Smoke alarms: BS EN 14604
- Heat alarms: BS 5446-2
- CO alarms: BS EN 50291

Official guidance:

🔗 Scottish Government – Fire & Smoke Alarm Regulations
🔗 Scottish Government – Carbon Monoxide Alarm Guidance

🏠 Where to Install Smoke, Heat & CO Detectors

Our team follows BS 5839-6 and BS EN 50291 installation guidance.

🔹 Smoke Alarms

Mount centrally on ceilings.
At least 300mm away from walls or light fittings.
Within 3 metres of bedroom doors.
In hallways and landings to ensure smoke is detected before it reaches sleeping areas.

🔹 Heat Alarms

Positioned in kitchens or areas with high steam/dust levels.
At least 1 metre away from cooking appliances.
Within 5.3 metres of potential fire sources.

🔹 Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Located in any room with a fuel-burning appliance or flue.
Wall-mounted at head height if the appliance is wall-mounted.
Ceiling-mounted at least 300mm from walls if positioned above the appliance.
In bedrooms with fuel-burning appliances, place the alarm close to the bed.

💡 Types of Alarms & Modern Options

The market offers a range of technologies:

🔄 Combined Smoke & Heat Detectors – Fewer units, less clutter, and reduced false alarms.
📱 Smart Alarms – Connect to your smartphone, sending instant alerts and allowing remote testing.
🔋 10-Year Lithium Battery Alarms – Maintenance-free, no constant battery changes.
🛡 Digital CO Alarms – Show CO levels in ppm (parts per million), giving early warnings before dangerous levels are reached.

🛠️ Installation & Compliance

DTEC Electrical provides professional installation that ensures:

Correct placement for maximum coverage.
Compliance with Scottish legislation and British Standards.
Use of high-quality, long-life detectors from trusted manufacturers.
Seamless interlinking — either wireless or wired.

Tip: DIY installation may save money initially, but incorrect placement or substandard devices can lead to fines, voided insurance claims, or worse — ineffective detection.

🧰 Maintenance & Testing

Even the best detectors need regular maintenance:

Weekly: Press the test button until the alarm sounds.
Monthly: Visually check for dust build-up or obstruction.
Yearly: Clean using a vacuum attachment to remove dust and cobwebs.
End of Life: Replace alarms every 10 years or as per manufacturer’s guidance.

🔧 Why Choose DTEC Electrical?

We’re not just electricians in Greenock — we’re your local safety partners.

✅ Over 30 years of electrical expertise in Inverclyde & North Ayrshire.
✅ Fully qualified, insured, and compliant with UK wiring regulations (BS 7671).
✅ Rapid response for emergency electrician callouts.
✅ Affordable rates with no compromise on quality.

📞 Call 07882 372 474 today for a free quote.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Do I need a CO alarm if I only have electric heating?

No — if you have no fuel-burning appliances or flues, you don’t need a CO alarm. However, it’s still worth considering one if you have an attached garage or other potential CO sources nearby.

❓ Can CO alarms detect gas leaks?

No — CO alarms detect carbon monoxide, not natural gas. Gas leaks require a separate gas detector.

❓ How often should I test alarms?

We recommend testing every week to ensure they’re working properly.

❓ Can alarms be interconnected wirelessly?

Yes — modern alarms use radio-frequency technology to interlink without running cables.

❓ What’s the penalty for not complying with Scotland’s fire alarm law?

While there are no direct fines, non-compliance can invalidate insurance policies and put lives at risk.

🔗 Related Electrical Services

⚡ EV Charger Installation – Power your electric vehicle at home.
💡 LED Lighting Upgrades – Save energy and money.
🔧 Electrical Repairs – From faulty sockets to full rewires.

For expert installation of smoke, heat & CO detectors in Greenock, Largs, Gourock, Port Glasgow, Fairlie, and Ayrshire, trust DTEC Electrical — keeping local homes safe, compliant, and protected.